The Klyuchevskoy volcano, the largest active volcano in the northern hemisphere, began erupting Wednesday on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, just hours after a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake triggered Pacific-wide tsunami alerts.

Lava and ash explosions were observed on the volcano’s western slope, with ash plumes reaching up to 3 kilometers high.

Scientists had predicted the eruption due to increasing lava buildup.

The region, known for high seismic activity, is home to around 300 volcanoes, Newsweek has reported.

Authorities have issued advisories as volcanic ash drifts eastward.

Written by B.C. Begley